Vickers Vimy
Although commissioned during the first world war, the Vimy did not enter active service in time to take part in the fighting, and did not have an illustrious career in RAF service, fading out of use by the early 30s. It's main military significance was as a trainer, used by the RAF to introduce new pilots to twin engines aircraft. It had more significance in aviation history through two long-distance flights. In June 1919 Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Whitten-Brown flew non-stop from Newfoundland to Ireland, the first direct trans-atlantic flight, while in November 1919 Ross and Keith Smith flew from England to Australia in 28 days, a first.
How to cite this article: Rickard, J. (13 November 2000), Vickers Vimy, http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_vickersvimy.html